Only The Strong Survive (Sequel to Survival)

Chapter 40- Impromptu Service

I was folding clothes and was about to get ready to put another load in the washer when someone knocks on the door.

As I walk out of my room to answer, I pass by Aidan doing his homework on the small wooden kitchen table. I ruffle his silver hair as I move to open the door.

"I brought chocolate chip muffins," was the first thing Anna says, holding a brown paper bag.

I reach for the food and open the bag to get a whiff of the sweet aroma. As the smell hits my nose, I moan, "You're a life saver."

She steps into the apartment and goes to the kitchen.

"Aunt Anna? What are you doing here," Aidan asks, looking up from his studies.

My sister turns to me and gestures at herself. "I am here to offer my services."

"What?" I chuckle, already taking a bite of one of the muffins.

Anna strides to me and take one of my hands. "When I spoke to you on the phone you sounded a little stressed. So, I thought I'd stop by and offer some help."

"You didn't have to––"

She clamps a hand over my mouth. "Say no more, big sister, I am here to help. No arguing about it."

I remove her hand and ask, "Don't you have school work? Or would rather hang out with your friends."

"Nah, I see them all the time. Plus, I don't have that much work I need to finish," she shrugs. "Besides, I am hanging out with Kristoff tomorrow anyway. I wanted to spend time with you today."

Ever since Anna and I have been reunited, I don't think neither of us take each other for granted. Despite spending as much time as we do, Anna and I both know that it doesn't erase the ten years we could have had together.

I know she feels gulity for what happened to me. I know she feels like there was something she could have done.

Of course, that's ridiculous. She was five when she lost her memory in the car accident.

Another thing I know is that her guilt not only stops me but with our mom.

Anna still doesn't remember everything from before the accident, only minor things. She doesn't remember mom much at all. And maybe that's a good thing. What good would come out of those memories? All they would do is remind Anna that our mom is no longer alive.

Unlike Anna, I do remember her. It's not as if any memory of her has been erased.

She'll always be remembered by me.

"So, what do you need help with big sister?" Anna blurts, shaking me out of deep memory.

"Laundry?"

"You got it." She dashes off to my room where she proceeds to fold the clothes on my bed.

I take this moment to take a seat at the table next to Aidan.

I lightly nudge his shoulder. "How's the homework?"

He doesn't bother looking at me. "Easy. For the most part. I think I'm finally understanding fractions."

As he does his work, I sit there marveling at his beauty––his smooth pale skin, his slight rosy cheeks and button nose.

Unable to stop myself, I lean toward him and grab him and enfold his small frame into my arms, peppering him with kisses.

"Ugh, mom," he complains, trying to shake me away.

But I hold him tighter. He gives up and stops struggling.